FATHER'S DAY

My dad was the most amazing man. He was my parent, friend, confidant, teacher and protector. There was nothing he wouldn't do for me. He taught me about life and (along with my mom) about unconditional love. Whether just doing household chores, caring for the many pets who passed through our home or sitting quietly together, he was there for me.

My challenges and joys were shared and felt deeply be a man not ashamed to show his emotions. Whose strength got me through some hard times. Whose constant presence made me never feel alone. The lessons he taught me about working hard, following my dreams and being a kind and caring person will never be forgotten. There were lots of hugs and kisses in our home.

He was there for the adoption of his granddaughters and loved them as deeply as anyone could. He was a proud and devoted grandfather. My girls were lucky to know him. There was never a moment when he was their "adoptive grandfather". He was just "Grampa".

My daughters also have a great dad, who took them sledding, bike riding, to the park and the Thanksgiving Parade, as I stayed home and cooked. He spent time reading to them, watching their favorite TV shows and sharing his vast knowledge of world events and history. 

On Father's Day, I think of the many children who have influential men in their lives. Whether fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, cousins, teachers, role models or community members, they all help raise them to be members of our society.

It is not uncommon for a child to imagine where their birth family is and what they are doing or wonder if they ever think of them. With Father's Day being celebrated and talked about - Do not be afraid to ask your child if they are thinking about their birth father (or other birth family members). Use this time of year to catch up on what your child knows, imagines and would like to know. Perhaps, you have more information to share, need to try and reach out to obtain more details or you may discover your child is not seeking information at this time.

To all fathers and other male family members and role models who influence the lives of children - I wish you a day of happiness. 

Kathy Ann Brodsky, LCSW is a New York and New Jersey licensed social worker, adoptive mom and advocate for ethical adoption practice. She has prepared thousands of adoption homestudies, counseled adoptive parents and parents-to-be, and has trained professionals to work with adoptive families. She was Director of the Ametz Adoption Program of JCCA from March 1992 to March 2015, was Head Writer for Adoption.net, a member of the Advisory Board for POV’s Adoption Series She is currectly a member of the Adoption Advisory Board of Path2Parenthood and active in the Adoptive Parents Committee in New York, where she has a private practice specializing in adoption and adoptive parenting. She was named an “Angel in Adoption” by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption in 2001. Follow or reach her at ADOPTION MAVEN BLOG or EMAIL.